Saving the Company

Lesson for the reform of SLPS

I was struck by an interview in last week’s Wall Street Journal with Debra Cafaro, CEO of a struggling company whose fortunes have improved under her leadership.

Ms. Cafaro was asked, "What management qualities do you need to lead a turnaround?"

Here is her answer: "You have to be willing to temporarily upset a lot of people in order to save the company. You have to withstand a lot of conflict, histrionics, screaming at meetings and toughness on all sides."

Sounds like good advice for anyone who wants to turn around the St. Louis Public Schools.